History and the Modern Cocktail

Tristan will discuss the relevance of historical drinking cultures in the preparation of forward thinking, multi sensory cocktail service. He will look specifically at the history and evolution of rum and gin, and will demonstrate how his team re-creates classic and forgotten mixed drinks with the aid of high-end equipment. The seminar will also showcase some of the ways in which rotary evaporators, sous vide, barrel ageing and biological ageing can be used in a bar environment.

Tristan Stephenson has been involved in hospitality for 13 years. He has spent most of that time behind a bar, with brief spells as a trainer, brand ambassador and now consultant. In 2009 Tristan co-founded Fluid Movement, a breakthrough events and consultancy company for the drinks industry. This then lead to the opening of Purl, in 2010, and the Worship Street Whistling Shop in 2011. Tristan was awarded Bartender of the Year in 2011, having been nominated for the past two years. Tristan is also an experienced home-brewer, distiller and barista.